Page 24 of To Cuddle A Gremlin

Hiking to Waite’s Falls was something he did in the summer. The atmosphere was so peaceful that nothing could go wrong. This was why he decided to take Isadore there. His memories from every visit were fond.

Stepping into the library for the day, he was accosted by Sammi as he hung up his coat in the workroom.

“So how did the walk home go? He had a determined alpha expression. So was he?”

“Was he what?” Sebastian recalled Isadore’s face, which had been full of worry and concern. Not alpha-y, as Sammi suggested.

“Dominant, alpha to your beta or omega. You know how cryptids are.” Sammi bounced on her toes, eager to hear.

“I’m pretty sure the whole alpha society has been debunked.” Sebastian tried to duck around Sammi, but she blocked his way with a slight shift of her weight. “Sammi….”

“Sebby. And the alpha thing is all the rage in books. People eat that shit up. Including you. I’ve seen your holds.” Sammi crossed her arms. “Did you kiss? Did he passionately declare his love or matehood?”

“What? NO! Of course not. We talked about our next date and stuff. I said I was going to make a plan.” Sebastian didn’tmean to share their plans with Sammi. “Where do you get your ideas? They’re ridiculous.”

“No, they’re essential for plot development. I’m dying of curiosity. What does he kiss like? Tell me, Sebby.” Sammi hadn't heard what he said, which gave him peace of mind. The mere idea of discussing kisses with her went beyond his comfort level. They were for him and Isadore. Details weren’t to be shared, especially not as workplace gossip. But if he didn’t offer her a blow-by-blow account, then she’d press him about what he had planned for the weekend, which was also something special.

"He was like… sparklers and chocolate. Like a good zing followed by smoothness. Shouldn’t we go open the branch? I think we need to do work.” Sebastian slithered past Sammi and trotted to the circulation desk where Jake was sitting. “Morning, Jake.”

“Good morning, Sebastian. I hope you had a good evening.” Jake greeted him. Sebastian’s boss was always professional and kind.

“I did and you as well?” Sebastian opened the cataloguing program and smiled as Sammi gave him the stink eye. Since Jake was on the computer beside Sebastian, her place for the morning would be on the second floor, far enough away she couldn’t bother Sebastian for more information about his date or his kiss.

"See if you can get Sebastian to share with you where he’s going on Saturday afternoon,” Sammi said as she held on to the bannister leading upstairs.

“Oh? Anywhere interesting?” One of the older patrons, Ms. O’Leary, Sebastian’s regular, perked up as she set her bag of returns on the desk. “Tell me more, darling.”

“Uh, just for a walk near the river. I imagine the frost would be pretty spectacular this time of year.” Sebastian braced himselffor comments. To some people, his idea could be considered lame.

“Really? Physical exertion? Are you sure?” Sammi came back down. “Shouldn’t you be doing a movie or something? Or better yet, Netflixing and chilling? You know, hands start wandering as you cuddle together under cosy blankets?”

“I don’t have Netflix. I use the resources here,” Sebastian began.

“Then a movie at home. You don’t need to take me so literally.”

"Sammi, dear. Remember, Sebastian is a gentleman. I don’t think watching Netflix is part of his repertoire. Hiking is a good, inexpensive way to find out more about a person. Though, I’d keep an eye on the weather. I’ve heard a big storm is headed toward us. We don’t want you to get trapped or anything.”

“I’ve been watching the system. So far, so good.” Sebastian smiled. Ms. O’Leary’s general acceptance was a balm for his anxiety. He’d been worried everyone would mock him. “But if the weather does become terrible, I’ll make alternative plans.”

“Good boy. Being prepared is the hallmark of a conscientious person.” Ms. O’Leary patted Sebastian’s arm and toddled off toward the stairs where Sammi still stood. “Come on, dear, let’s pick some good stories for me.”

“Alright, Ms. O’Leary. I have some authors for you to try.” Sammi held her arm out for Ms. O’Leary. Their chatter petered off to quiet whispers as they disappeared upstairs.

Sebastian sighed. He had dodged a small bullet with Sammi. If the day continued to be busy, then he wouldn’t have to deal with more questions about his date. Her mind would have jumped off to other topics, and she'd leave him alone.

The library was—as he hoped—hopping as people prepared themselves for a possibility of a storm. Hiking remained at the forefront of his mind, though Netflix niggled at him as well. Theplanted doubts sprouted wings as he worried about the icy roads and snowstorms. Maybe Sammi was right. Maybe Isadore would like to spend the afternoon indoors, cuddled together as snow swirled around. His last hour was wasted scowling as he fought with himself. The dreaded third date twisted around his fears of conversation. What did one do if they couldn’t talk? Indulge in some hanky-panky? Well, fuck that as well, because Sebastian didn’t know how to do that either. God, why did he assume he was a capable person who could participate in romantic dealings?

This was when he’d go online and talk to Kazmier about this stuff, but asking him for dating advice made his stomach unhappy. He didn’t want to offend Kazmier or lead him on. When had he become this person that dangled two people on a string? This was not Sebastian. He was nice.

As he left the library, he glanced around the dim corners for Isadore, and sure enough, Isadore was leaning against the stone wall, his foot rested against the brick and his head back. He hadn’t noticed Sebastian yet, so Sebastian had a moment when he could study him without worry. His silvery skin shimmered under the exterior pot light. He was a starry person who drew everyone’s attention.

When Isadore reacted to Sebastian’s presence, his expression lit up. He held out his hand for Sebastian to take. “I hope you don’t mind me coming every day. These few minutes where we can chat are my favourite moments.”

“No, it’s no problem,” Sebastian mumbled. Again, words weren’t his forte. He wished he could explain to Isadore what being with Isadore meant to him and how any minute with him was what he looked forward to most. Though he stressed he wouldn’t be enough for Isadore.

“Awesome. So how was your day?” Isadore offered his elbow, and the gentlemanly gesture was sweet and so unexpected Sebastian’s defenses melted away.

“I am trying to organize our date, and I asked for advice from my coworkers, which only stressed me out more,” Sebastian admitted. Isadore pressed his arm in commiseration, which set Sebastian off. “It’s just they all think they have better ideas, but that’s not what I want.”

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